From the kickoff at City Hall on March 25 through mid-May, libraries, schools and cultural institutions invite book lovers to read Urrea's novel of immigration and join in dozens of activities citywide.

The two-day book festival will feature hundreds of authors — including T.C. Boyle, LeVar Burton, Jacqueline Woodson, Luis Rodriguez, Patton Oswalt, Roz Chast and Candice Bergen — in readings, discussions and signings. The prizes, which present awards to authors in 10 categories, are open to the public.

Best known as a playwright and performer, Eric Bogosian brings his storytelling talents to the book "Operation Nemesis: The Assassination Plot That Avenged the Armenian Genocide," a researched history of the Armenian genocide and those bent on revenge.

The author of "House of Leaves" returns with a new book, using a simple story — of a girl and a lost pet — to conceal an elaborately structured, complex, multi-voiced novel that is slated to launch an ambitious series.

Pantheon: 880 pp, $25

MAY 15-17

LéaLA

After taking a year off, LéaLA, Los Angeles' Spanish-language book festival, is back. Presented by the Guadalajara International Book Fair and with support from the government of Mexico, the fair celebrates Spanish-language literature. 85,000 people attended the fair in 2013.